High-order mode Yb-doped fiber lasers based on mode-selective couplers

Abstract

We experimentally investigate high-order modes (HOMs) generating at the wavelength of 1.0 μm in all-fiber Yb-doped lasers based on mode-selective couplers (MSCs). Broadband MSCs for HOMs conversion are achieved by optimizing the phase-matching condition at 1.0 μm. Efficient generation of HOMs is demonstrated with the MSCs inserted both into continuous-wave and mode-locked fiber lasers. The slope efficiencies of HOMs (LP₁₁, LP₀₂ and LP₂₁) are presented and discussed. Additionally, cylindrical vector and orbital angular momentum beams are produced out of the MSCs by controlling the polarization states. The results show proof-of-concept implementation of the MSCs, which enables high efficiency of HOMs generation especially in pulsed fiber lasers and holds promising applications in laser material processing.